Indian Navy's Western fleet ships visit United Arab Emirates

The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai and are on a long-range deployment to the Persian Gulf to enhance bilateral ties with friendly regional navies.

During the visit, the warships are scheduled to have professional interactions with the defence forces of the host countries for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy.

"Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the Navies," read a government statement.

India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with the Gulf countries dates back to over 4000 years B.C. Present day Indian Navy has close and friendly ties with all navies in the Gulf and has been regularly exercising with many of them. The Indian Navy is also privileged to provide training and hydrographic support to several navies in the region.

The involvement of Indian Naval ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia since October 2008 has further strengthened bilateral ties and interaction with navies in the region

Bilateral relations between India and UAE have existed for a long time with treaties and agreements on extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil matters, judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, combating trafficking in narcotics, civil aviation, cultural exchange and information cooperation.

"UAE is today India’s second largest trading partner and naval cooperation between the two countries have increased steadily since the inaugural Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks in Jan 07, which covered the entire gamut of IN-UAEN cooperation. Frequent port visits by naval ships of both countries, visit by Service Chiefs and training of UAE naval officers has further bolstered naval cooperation between the two countries. India and UAE are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS); a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region. IONS has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues. The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and UAE," read the statement.